“It would be a prominent architectural feature in the town. People will use it as focal point.

“It’s a big investment in the town.”

The development would include around 290 car parking spaces, with one access route proposed off Turnpike Road.

Commenting on the access plans, Mr Gillespie said: “You don’t get hordes of people going to a car dealership.”

He said that the new showroom could lead to a net increase in jobs, with around 60 people currently employed at the Hungerford showrooms.

“We are confident that the development site will not only be a landmark building for Newbury/Thatcham border, but it will raise the visual standard of the area, bringing both jobs and future investment,” pre-application designs said.

When asked about a precedent being set, Mr Gillespie said that this was not a reason to refuse planning permission.

He added that West Berkshire Council’s policies for commercial sites were out of date.

The company said that it had dropped 2,500 leaflets advertising the exhibition to nearby households.

The exhibition, which ran from 3pm until 7pm, had received only four visitors when the Newbury Weekly News arrived at 5pm.

The company wouldn’t say how many people had attended, but added that it had predicted higher numbers.

Mr Gilespie said that the plans were expected to be submitted in October, should all go to plan.